Restoration Natural Burial Ground Proposal for Old Goolwa Cemetery

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Council received a report at the 19 August Council Meeting on the community engagement outcomes of a proposal for a restoration natural burial ground to be established on an unused section of the Old Goolwa Cemetery off Kessell Road and granted consent for Administration to start negotiations with the Natural Burial Trust of Australia and the Nature Foundation. Council will receive a further report on the draft negotiated agreement at a future meeting.

Read the Decision and Council Report


Council are excited to propose the establishment of a restoration natural burial ground utilising the unused cemetery land surrounding the historic Old Goolwa Cemetery.

This initiative represents a harmonious blend of environmental stewardship and a respectful approach to honouring our departed loved ones. Restoration natural burial grounds align with sustainability principles, offering an alternative that fosters a deeper connection between the deceased and the natural world.

The proposal outlines a collaborative effort between the Natural Burial Ground Trust of Australia, the Nature Foundation and the Alexandrina Council to create Australia’s first genuine ‘restoration’ natural burial ground.

The project aims to transform the unused, vacant land surrounding the historic Old Goolwa Cemetery on Kessell Road, Goolwa, into a dedicated natural burial ground. It is crucial to note that there will be no disturbance or impact on existing burials within the historic Old Goolwa Cemetery site.

The proposed restoration natural burial ground offers individuals and families an affordable and environmentally friendly burial option, linking the death of a loved one to the restoration of the local ecosystem. This restoration natural burial ground not only provides a unique public facility and burial option for the people of the Fleurieu Peninsula but also supports the revegetation, restoration, and expansion of native habitats at the Old Goolwa Cemetery site.

Managed by the Natural Burial Ground Trust of Australia in close collaboration with the Nature Foundation, the site will feature the planting of local native species, contributing to ongoing ecological restoration. Our vision is to see this parcel of land returned to a natural bush setting in the coming years.

Importantly, this project will be established at no cost to the Alexandrina Council, transferring the ongoing site restoration and maintenance costs away from the Council and saving money for the community. Existing Bush for Life volunteers will continue to be involved in the conservation of the site, managed through the Nature Foundation.

We believe this proposal presents a positive outcome for the environment and offers a new burial alternative for families that is not currently available. We invite the community to provide feedback and participate in this meaningful initiative.

How to submit feedback:

  • By Mail - please direct written submission to alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au or
    by post to Att: CEO, Alexandrina Council, PO Box 21, Goolwa SA 5214, or
  • In Person - where you can complete a hard copy survey at the Strathalbyn or Goolwa offices.

Submissions regarding the proposal will be accepted by Council until 5 pm Friday 12 July 2024.

Council are excited to propose the establishment of a restoration natural burial ground utilising the unused cemetery land surrounding the historic Old Goolwa Cemetery.

This initiative represents a harmonious blend of environmental stewardship and a respectful approach to honouring our departed loved ones. Restoration natural burial grounds align with sustainability principles, offering an alternative that fosters a deeper connection between the deceased and the natural world.

The proposal outlines a collaborative effort between the Natural Burial Ground Trust of Australia, the Nature Foundation and the Alexandrina Council to create Australia’s first genuine ‘restoration’ natural burial ground.

The project aims to transform the unused, vacant land surrounding the historic Old Goolwa Cemetery on Kessell Road, Goolwa, into a dedicated natural burial ground. It is crucial to note that there will be no disturbance or impact on existing burials within the historic Old Goolwa Cemetery site.

The proposed restoration natural burial ground offers individuals and families an affordable and environmentally friendly burial option, linking the death of a loved one to the restoration of the local ecosystem. This restoration natural burial ground not only provides a unique public facility and burial option for the people of the Fleurieu Peninsula but also supports the revegetation, restoration, and expansion of native habitats at the Old Goolwa Cemetery site.

Managed by the Natural Burial Ground Trust of Australia in close collaboration with the Nature Foundation, the site will feature the planting of local native species, contributing to ongoing ecological restoration. Our vision is to see this parcel of land returned to a natural bush setting in the coming years.

Importantly, this project will be established at no cost to the Alexandrina Council, transferring the ongoing site restoration and maintenance costs away from the Council and saving money for the community. Existing Bush for Life volunteers will continue to be involved in the conservation of the site, managed through the Nature Foundation.

We believe this proposal presents a positive outcome for the environment and offers a new burial alternative for families that is not currently available. We invite the community to provide feedback and participate in this meaningful initiative.

How to submit feedback:

  • By Mail - please direct written submission to alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au or
    by post to Att: CEO, Alexandrina Council, PO Box 21, Goolwa SA 5214, or
  • In Person - where you can complete a hard copy survey at the Strathalbyn or Goolwa offices.

Submissions regarding the proposal will be accepted by Council until 5 pm Friday 12 July 2024.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Old Goolwa Cemetery - Survey

    Council received a report at the 19 August Council Meeting on the community engagement outcomes of a proposal for a restoration natural burial ground to be established on an unused section of the Old Goolwa Cemetery off Kessell Road and granted consent for Administration to start negotiations with the Natural Burial Trust of Australia and the Nature Foundation. Council will receive a further report on the draft negotiated agreement at a future meeting.

    Read the Decision and Council Report
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